Report: Buffalo Bills release running back LeSean McCoy

According to a report, the Buffalo Bills have released starting running back LeSean McCoy.

In a surprise move on Saturday, the Buffalo Bills released last year’s starting running back LeSean McCoy, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

As Schefter notes this is certainly a surprise. This summer many were adamant that LeSean McCoy was going to be a big part of this offense in 2019, including McCoy himself at the end of training camp.

"“I’m the guy. I feel like that. That’s what I’ve been told,” said McCoy."

However, something clearly changed during the preseason and the Buffalo Bills felt it was time to move on from the veteran running back. In two preseason games, McCoy had 10 carries for 43 yards and two receptions for 11 yards.

These are not necessarily bad stats but the Bills front office must feel confident about the other backs on the roster that they could release McCoy. The emergence of rookie Devin Singletary, along with the performance of Frank Gore, who looked like the team’s best back this preseason, was enough for Brandon Beane to make this move.

It is worth noting that the Bills cut McCoy, versus trying to trade them, something they have been able to do over the past two days with Wyatt Teller and Russell Bodine being moved in trades. Even though he is 31 years of age, the thought would be he would have some value across the league.

The biggest sticking point in a trade might have been his salary, as he had a cap hit over nine million this year. The Bills now save roughly $6.1 million by releasing him.

LeSean McCoy spent the past six years with the Bills after they traded Kiko Alonso to Philadelphia Eagles for the running back before the 2015 season. He finished his Bills’ career with 3,814 rushing yards, 25 touchdowns, 1,344 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns. He currently ranks sixth in franchise history in rushing yards.

The Buffalo Bills will continue to make cuts as they try to get down to 53 players by 4 PM today.